Joint Statement on Rugby Australia’s Process of Transition and Renewal

6 May 2020

by Reds Media Unit

The Chairs of the following Australian Rugby provincial representative bodies (ACT & Southern New South Wales Rugby Union, Queensland Rugby Union, Rugby Victoria, RugbyWA, Rugby Union SA, Tas Rugby) release the following statement in support of Rugby Australia’s ongoing process of reform and renewal:

“As the Chairs of Australian Rugby’s provincial representative bodies and as constitutional members of Rugby Australia (RA), we are fully supportive of the RA Board’s ongoing work around reform and renewal, which has been underway for a number of months.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has created its own set of extra challenges during this process, RA Chairman Paul McLean has our complete support to continue this process of transition.

“Australian Rugby’s provincial representatives do not support individuals or groups designating appointments. We are supportive of the process of re-structure with appropriate consultation.

“We feel it is vitally important for all Rugby’s stakeholders to maintain a calm focus, and to give Paul the support and time he and the Board require, as we collectively navigate through this transitional period.

“In times where Australian Rugby has been strong, it has succeeded by jointly understanding the needs of its members and has created and delivered strategies on and off the field to sustain and grow the code.

“This common philosophy and approach is required now, more than ever, given the challenges facing the code and all Australians, during this global health crisis.

“We place our trust in Paul and his RA Board to continue to consult with his members in the knowledge that there are highly skilled individuals on the RA Board, who each possess the experience and acumen that will allow Australian Rugby to move forward as we all plan for a gradual return to community and elite Rugby in Australia in the weeks and months to come.”